skip to main content

Alabama Gardening

How do you get rid of voles?

14 years ago

OK folks, I need a sure fire way to get rid of voles! I'm ready to go to war with these litte buggers, they ate my Montbrecia bulbs that I got from Michelle at the swap. I planted them and they were looking so good then all of a sudden the leaves started turning yellow and just got worse and worse. I thought maybe I'd cut them back but when I grabbed hold of them, you got it, they just fell right out of the ground and the bulbs has all been eaten. I got to looking around that bed and found evidence of voles tunneling. I need help fast!

Jan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jbranch
14 years ago
Jan - the only thing I know to do is go to Lowes or Home Depot and get some poison. I have used the kind that is peanut flavored and is in pellet form. The only problem is you have to find an active tunnel. Go to the Gardenweb hosta forum and search for voles. You will see other ideas there. The link below describes my vole problem.

For hostas, instead of just planting them in the ground, I now put them in large pots and then sink the pot in the ground. You can also protect the area by digging out the soil and placing chicken wire in the ground and replace the soil. When I was at Carter's nursery in Athens last week, the owner talked of terrible problems with voles and he has found no way to stop them. They are supposed to multiply rapidly.

Here is a link that might be useful: Embarking on a hosta rescue mission
tweetypye
Original Author
14 years ago
jbranch...thanks...I think I'll try that rat poison in the wine bottle thing....hopefully my problem isn't too big that I can't get it fixed soon.
Jan
Related Discussions
How to get rid of Moles/Voles in my Garden ???
Q
Comments (137)
Watermelons! I never would have thought they could bother those. I am surprised they aren't eating your wife's tomatoes. Maybe the hot peppers being next to the tomatoes is deterring them. I did try making a garlic and hot pepper solution that I sprayed on the onions and soil. I think it worked for a day or two, but after that the voles were back at the onions. They are eating my onions, potatoes, and asparagus. I expect they will get into the sweet potatoes too. I never expected anything to want to eat the onions, that one surprised me!
...See More
getting rid of voles?
Q
Comments (15)
Hi. I'm a new member and master gardener intern. If any of you use oyster shells to deter moles, could you share with us how to apply it? What I'm doing, which I am NOT sure is right, is digging the hole a little deeper than I need it to end up being, then sprinkling about 2 handsful of crushed oyster shell around the sides and into the bottom of the hole. Then I put a little bit of dirt over the shells and plant the hosta. I'm just in the process of doing this today and wanted to take a break and see if I'm doing it properly. Any experience out there in plant world? I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.
...See More
Hosta roots being eaten from underneath!
Q
Comments (1)
Below is a link to a discussion with an illustration showing the differences of quite a few garden rodents that we have going over in the hosta forum. There are lots of threads there on voles. Here is a link that might be useful: Vole Illustration
...See More
Getting rid of voles
Q
Comments (3)
I'm sorry you lost all those trees. I just ordered 2 Nanking cherries to plant this spring. Hopefully I can get rid of this vole or voles before they come. I'll set up 3 traps to start with. I am totally in the mode of defending my blueberry bushes at Any cost. Two are coming up on 4 yrs old and should be making lots of berries!
...See More
lsmcw
14 years ago
Get a cat. My daughter's cat constantly brings up to the doorstep voles, moles, and mice that have all been partially eaten. Not a pleasant sight first thing in the morning but her bulbs stay safe. Linda
tweetypye
Original Author
14 years ago
I have a cat Linda, but I think I have more voles than she can manage. She does catch them sometimes, but I've never seen her eat them. She just brings them to me as "gifts"! :)
I've been thinking I may need to get another cat to help with rodent control.
Jan
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
They also aren't particularly difficult to trap. We were able to get rid of quite a few by baiting a live trap with some of their favorite garden 'treats'.

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR How to Get Rid of Those Pesky Summer Fruit Flies

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what fruit flies are, how to prevent them and how to get rid of them in your home

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

DECORATING GUIDES Use It or Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Keys

By Vanessa Brunner

Clean out your junk drawer by getting rid of keys in an earth-friendly way

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Get Rid of Your Extra Stuff

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Sell, consign, donate? We walk you through the options so you can sail through scaling down

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: 4 Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Carpet

By Vanessa Brunner

Try one of these earth-friendly tips before stuffing your dingy carpet or rug in the trash

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 4 Good Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard

By Katherine Caviness

Stay safe from West Nile virus and put an end to irksome itches with these tools and methods for a porch, patio or yard

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of a Mattress

By Vanessa Brunner

Updating your bedroom? Here's how to donate, reuse or recycle that mattress — and keep it out of the landfill

MORE ROOMS Home Tech: Getting Rid of Wires Without Sacrificing Sound

By Laura Heller

Wireless home technology still isn't perfect, but new products are giving audiophiles choices

DECORATING GUIDES Cleaning Out: The Right Way to Get Rid of Electronics

By Vanessa Brunner

Learn how to dispose of worn-out electronics in a safer, more Earth-friendly way

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

Sponsored